Merlin and the Grail Tradition [Paperback]

Gareth Knight (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 15, 1999

Few figures from myth and story have impressed the popular imagination like that of Merlin, Arch Mage of the land of Logres, whose shadowy, compelling presence plays a key part in the tales of Arthurian legend and the Quest of the Holy Grail.

In this valuable collection of essays, Gareth Knight traces the historical importance and esoteric influence of Merlin and the Grail tradition from legendary beginnings right down to modern times.

Topics covered include: The Archetype of Merlin; Merlin and the Grail; John Dee, the Elizabethan Merlin; Dion Fortune and the Grail; and much more.

And in the closing chapter, entitled "The Catechism of the Grail," the author gives the full text of a powerful ritual drama -a rare glimpse into the work of a modern magical tradition that draws its inspiration from the figure of Merlin and seeks to bring to earth the Mystery of the Grail.

Product Details

• Paperback: 136 pages
• Publisher: Sun Chalice Books (October 15, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1928754015
• ISBN-13: 978-1928754015
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,322,157 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Merlin and the Grail Tradition, February 15, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Merlin and the Grail Tradition (Paperback)

This popular topic has been covered many times and many ways, yet I found the content of this particular book to be outstanding. It approaches the Grail and Merlin Myths from a perspective that is applicable and extremely useful in the spiritual quest of this day and time. Any student of the Western Mystery Tradition or of the Arthurian Legends of the Grail will find it to be most enlightening, covering many topics which tie together in a very understandable and previously unrealized way.

The cohesive strands of the Myth's of Merlin and the Grail have been explored from the Arthurian Legends through to the history of John Dee and Elizabethan Magic, even to the work of Dion Fortune and the beginning of her Mystery School in Glastonbury. If your interests are confined only to Dion Fortune's work, this book is packed full of interesting facts and information which I have not found available in other works. I came away from this book with a better understanding of how archetypal energies are expressed through traditions, realizing the very congruent line which they have followed, and finding correlations and relevancy that has literally spanned the ages. It is written in an intelligent, yet highly evocative manner which puts the reader right into the story. The final chapter, The Catechism of the Grail, impacts not only one's understanding of the power's behind the Myths, but also yields much understanding of how this is to be applied in the world and within one's own life. I thoroughly recommend this book to those who seek knowledge of these subjects out of interest, and also for those who quest for a more spiritual way of living.

5.0 out of 5 stars All New Expanded Edition...., January 12, 2012

By 

F. Productions "Flowforth" (Boulder, CO) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Merlin and the Grail Tradition (Paperback)

Few figures from myth and legend have impressed the imagination like that of Merlin, Archmage of the land of Logres, whose shadowy, compelling presence plays a key part in the tales of Arthurian legend and the Quest of the Holy Grail.

Merlin and the Grail Tradition was first published at the turn of the millennium by Sun Chalice Books, originally as a collection of ten essays, talks and magical workings grouped loosely around the locus of Merlin and the grail.

This all new `Expanded Edition' that includes additional articles, transcripts of talks given at various conferences (including the well known Hawkwood sessions), chapters contributed to the books of various colleagues, and short pieces selected from Gareth Knight's own magazine, Quadriga, previously only published to students.

These new additions will add new insights, particularly with regard to the faery tradition within the grail legends, which has taken on an increasing importance in recent years. These new sections include The Faery Tradition in Arthurian Legend and a new analysis of Chrétien de Troyes: The First Arthurian Romancer. Additionally, an old manuscript has come to light on Sir Gareth: the Quest of a Round Table Knight, resurrected from a private lecture given in Paris in 1987. This new expanded collection of thirteen pieces therefore represents Gareth Knight's eclectic pursuit of the Merlin and Grail mysteries over a period of more than thirty years.